Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Earnings per share (EPS) was $0.87 and net income was $33 million, both exceeding Q4 2024 and Q1 2024, significantly above consensus estimates [7] - Customer deposit growth was over 7% annualized, marking the seventh consecutive quarter of growth [7][10] - Net interest margin (NIM) expanded by four basis points to 3.81%, with funding costs decreasing [8][17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total loan growth was $93 million or 4.89% annualized, consistent with previous guidance [10] - Consumer loan growth was $12 million, driven by residential mortgage and home equity [11] - Commercial loan growth exceeded $81 million, primarily from commercial real estate and construction segments [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The majority of deposit growth came from consumer activities, with significant contributions from money market accounts [11] - The commercial and industrial (C&I) balances declined by $20 million, reflecting reduced automobile floor plan borrowings [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on enhancing its deposit franchise, maintaining top quartile profitability, and ensuring high asset quality [6] - There is an emphasis on organic growth through hiring additional bankers and improving customer engagement [52] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate market uncertainties, supported by strong employee engagement and financial performance [6] - The outlook for loan growth remains positive, with expectations for mid-single-digit growth in the short term and high mid-single-digit growth in the latter half of 2025 [13][40] Other Important Information - The allowance for credit losses declined by approximately $2.5 million, ending the quarter at 1.26% of total loans [14] - Non-interest income declined by $700,000 due to seasonally lower customer activity [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on deals in the current environment and timing for crossing $10 billion without a deal - Management indicated ongoing conversations in the market and anticipated crossing $10 billion in the second half of the year, prepared for regulatory requirements [26] Question: Insights on spreads in C&I and CRE - Spreads in the C&I space remained stable, with hesitancy among customers due to economic uncertainty; CRE spreads faced pressure from larger banks becoming more aggressive [27][28] Question: Impact of tariffs on borrower base and credit trends - Management is actively monitoring credit risk related to tariffs and has seen stabilization in criticized and classified loans [36][39] Question: Expectations for loan yields and securities cash flows - New loan yields were around 6.75%, with expectations for continued support to the margin from securities and swaps [42][45] Question: Hiring expectations for the year - The company is focused on recruiting C&I bankers to support pipeline expansion, with a 15% increase in calling officers already achieved [52]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The diluted earnings per share for the first quarter were 68 cents, with annualized loan growth exceeding 4% compared to the linked quarter [6][7] - Asset quality metrics improved, including a reduction in the annualized net charge-off rate to 52 basis points from 61 basis points in the previous quarter [9][10] - Deposit balances grew by 2%, driven by higher money market and governmental deposit account balances, while core deposit growth exceeded 3% [7][19] - The book value per share increased by 2% to $31.9, and tangible book value per share improved by 4% to $20.68 [7][21] - The net interest income reported was down 1% compared to the linked quarter, with a net interest margin decrease of three basis points [8][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Commercial real estate loans contributed $75 million to loan growth, while residential real estate loans increased by $13 million and consumer indirect loans grew by $10 million [13][14] - The small ticket leasing portfolio experienced net charge-offs, which were a significant driver of the overall charge-off rate [9][40] - Fee-based income grew over 2%, primarily due to performance-based insurance commissions [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The overall allowance for credit losses increased to 1.01% of total loans, with a provision for credit losses rising nearly $4 million compared to the linked quarter [11][12] - The company noted that despite national declines in consumer confidence, there was no material impact on consumer demand in their lines of business [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company announced an increase in its quarterly dividend for the tenth consecutive year, reflecting a commitment to shareholder returns [8][21] - Management emphasized a focus on maintaining high standards for associates and a commitment to community service, which they believe drives solid results and shareholder value [24][25] - The company is actively engaged in evaluating acquisition opportunities but is committed to a strategic patience approach, preferring to find the right partner rather than rushing into a deal [68][112] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism regarding loan growth despite macroeconomic uncertainties, citing strong visibility into the second quarter pipeline [35][36] - The company anticipates a normalization of the provision for credit losses in the second half of 2025, aligning with historical rates [27][94] - Management noted that they are prepared to adjust operating expenses based on revenue scenarios, maintaining flexibility in their expense management [99] Other Important Information - The efficiency ratio increased to 60.7% from 59.6% in the linked quarter, driven by higher costs and lower accretion income [18] - The investment portfolio declined by $40 million, representing 20.3% of total assets, as proceeds were reinvested into loan growth [18][19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Loan growth outlook and risks - Management indicated strong visibility into the second quarter pipeline and expressed optimism despite potential impacts from tariffs [35][36] Question: North Star leasing and charge-offs - Management expects charge-offs to continue declining throughout the year, with a focus on improving credit quality [40][41] Question: Fee income guidance reduction - The reduction was attributed to softer performance in insurance income and changes in mortgage-related income expectations [50][51] Question: Consumer behavior in response to tariffs - Management noted an increase in indirect lending and consumer deposits, indicating a shift in consumer behavior towards securing loans before potential price increases [64][65] Question: Acquisition strategy and market expansion - Management expressed a desire to expand in existing markets and evaluate opportunities in adjacent regions, emphasizing a strategic approach to acquisitions [68][112]

Simmons First National Corporation (SFNC) Q1 2025 Earnings Conference Call April 17, 2025 08:30 AM ET Company Participants Operator - Conference Call OperatorEd Billick - Director of Investor RelationsJay Brogdon - PresidentDaniel Hobbs - CFOGeorge Makris - Chairman and CEO Conference Call Participants David Feaster - Analyst, Raymond JamesWoody Lee - Analyst, KBWAhmad Hassan - Analyst, DA DavidsonMatt Olney - Analyst, Stevens Operator Good morning and welcome to the Simmons First National Corporation first ...